Just wondering - since I'm assuming you do each section of the exam (Reading/Listening/Kanji) at seperate times, what exactly can you do during the 30 minute breaks between these sections? It seems kind of like a waste of an hour & a half to me rofl. Though if you're allowed to review during that time, would be nice I suppose

hmm... I took 1 kyuu, and my breaks were only about 15 minutes long. The tests were scheduled with 20~25 minutes of free space in between, but some of that is spent giving out and collecting papers, in addition to reading directions, waiting for people who are late, getting technical problems (book is printed correctly? audio is audible?) sorted out.

I had about 10 minutes between tests (which were 45, 45, and 90 minutes long per section) to sort out bathroom business and head back in to small talk a little with my neighbors. You can bring a backpack of whatever you want. They don't search your bags nor confiscate your phone. All they ask is that nothing on you makes any beeping (cell phone or watch). If you're taking 2 kyuu or 1 kyuu, I would advise packing a light lunch.